Ipswich24 February 2014

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INSIDE:

8 page Wedding Supplement PLUS:

FEBRUARY 2014

Music | Events Lifestyle | Health

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Welcome to Galloway European Coachlines Galloway European Coachlines are one of region’s leading Coach Operators offering over 50 vehicles for hire, ranging from midi coaches to top class 49 seat executive coaches, fully equipped with washroom, drink facilities and many other features, providing a full range of road passenger transport solutions, including Coach Holidays, Day Excursions, Coach Hire, School Tours, Local Bus Services and School Transport, National Express service between Stansted and Heathrow, along with a range of Air Holidays and Cruises.

Galloway has more than 45 years’ experience in the travel industry founded in 1965 in 1978 Galloway bought the established business of A F Braybrooke & Son, based in Mendlesham. The operation was renamed Galloway European Coachlines Ltd with its operational base being primarily to provide for the coaching requirements for its own tours.

School Tours in 1982 gave the owners of Galloway the idea of expansion into extended tours, private hire and contracts, steadily the fleet expanded,

outgrowing the original premises in the centre of Mendlesham’s village.

New premises were developed at Denters Hill, on the outskirts of Mendlesham to accommodate a fleet of over 50 vehicles.

Today the total operation is concentrated on this one site, with sales outlet, ‘the coach travel centres’ in the town centre of Ipswich, Felixstowe, Stowmarket and Colchester and Norwich.

Galloway is strong enough to give you that extra ingredient necessary for a successful holiday, but also small enough to consider each and every one of you as an individual valued client. A team of around 100 smartly uniformed and experienced drivers, well known for their care and professionalism, ensure the customer receives the very best standard of service.

Today Galloway employs over 150 staff around 50 of these are office based, covering sales, administration, operations and management. Also the company have first class engineering staff

14-16 Feb 14-17 Feb 16-17 Feb 23-24 Feb 28 Feb-3 Mar 14--16 Mar 7-9 Mar 8-9 Mar 8-14 Mar 14-16 Mar 15-22 Mar 17-21 Mar 21-24 Mar 24-28 Mar 24-28 Mar 28-30 Mar 31 Mar-4 Apr 31 Mar-4 Apr 4-12 Apr 7-11 Apr 11-14 Apr 12-17 Apr 17-20 Apr 17-20 Apr 17-21 Apr 18-21 Apr 21-25 Apr 21-25 Apr 25-28 Apr 1-5 May 4-5 May 4-8 May 4-8 May

Snowdrop Spectacular at Hodsock Priory Valentines in Paris Sunday Night at The Waldorf Sunday Night at The Waldorf Paignton Winter Warmer The Good Old Days Mystery Destination Weekend War Horse – London Theatre Break Austria Winter Wonderland Liverpool & The Crosby Statues Springtime Secrets on Magnificent Lake Garda ‘Spring’ into the Beautiful Yorkshire Dales Beamish, Durham & Historic York Pitlochry, Scotland Heart of England Mother’s Day Weekend in Lincolnshire Seaside House Party in Cardigan Isles of Scilly Adventure Tossa de Mar & Costa Brava Lake Windermere, Skipton & Lancashire Hills Cardiff Flower Show Cruising the Ijsselmeer, Holland Easter in Kortrijk, Belgium Easter in Shanklin & the Isle of Wight Easter in the Delightful Corner of Wales Easter in the Wye Valley, Dean Forest & Cardiff Bay Catherine Cookson & Newcastle Peaks, Pints, Trams & Tarts Mystery Destination Romantic Journeys of Yorkshire Legoland Windsor Weekend Guernsey by Air Jersey by Air

Many holidays include our FREE door-to-door collection service (within our designated area) NEW! 2014 Disneyland Paris dates available now 6 Apr, 25 May, 22 Jun, 24 Aug, 21 Sep, 26 Oct, 6 Nov, 27 Nov

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£195 £315 £109 £109 £195 £199 £189 £185 £539 £189 £599 £289 £315 £259 £349 £219 £329 £729 £609 £289 £299 £799 £409 £329 £335 £289 £369 £379 £249 £359 £119 £559 £475

maintaining the vehicles to the highest standards in Galloway’s own workshop.

Acquisition of the Chenery Live programme in Norwich brought new opportunities for Galloway products to expand into Concerts which is proving to be a great success.

When you choose a Galloway holiday, short break or day excursion you choose comfort, quality and real value for money.

Just look at what’s included and the quality and standards offered: • Professional uniformed drivers • Door-to-door service on most holidays (within designated area) • Carefully planned itineraries • Free excursions on the vast majority of holidays • Experience & reliability • Financial protection At Galloway they also feature a wide range of Sapphire Star Holidays based at luxury 4 & 5 star hotels for the more discerning traveller, along with Garland Value Breaks accommodated in comfortable 2-star hotels for the budget traveller.

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INSIDE THIS MONTH FEBRUARY Treading the boards

Prom Delights

Dance, drama, thrills and a gritty tale that is as gripping as when it was first told over eighty years ago.

The High School Prom has become as popular in the UK as it is in the USA. But to make it a success you need to start planning now.

14&15 10&11 Health and Wellbeing Jules Button gives advice on sugar. Craig Corder has helpful suggestions for those ‘expecting’ plus latest health news.

Weddings 2014: If you are planning your big wedding day, you don’t want to miss our 8 page wedding supplement. Advice for brides and grooms to be, venue ideas, transport, dresses and much more.

Events Diary Looking for something to do this February?

Our day-by-day guide will keep you informed and don’t forget there’s more on our website at www.ipswich24.co.uk

12&13

Centre 22&23

17-19

Live Music 24

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We look forward to a summer concert in the forest, plus a rock drummer appears in Copdock, we throw the spotlight on a young local singer, news on folk legends and our gig guide.

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Unlock your imagination at the Museums’ February half-term events Come along and get creative at the Colchester & Ipswich Museums during the February half-term holidays.

At the Natural History Museum, Colchester, you can create your very own Sock Puppets at various sessions that will be held during the week of 18th until 21st February. Or if you fancy getting your hands dirty, why not pop along to make Roman Circus Oil Lamps from clay at Hollytrees, Colchester. Sessions costs per person are £2 for Sock Puppets and £3 for the Roman Oil Lamps.

Meanwhile over at Ipswich Museum the animals are back.

UNLOCKED: Unleashed! presents animals from around the globe and shows will be on throughout the week of 18th until 21st February. The session cost £3 per person and booking is essential. Be quick though because these events fill up very quickly!

Over at the Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich, visitors can eavesdrop on Anna Cook at What the Housemaid Heard. All the family will enjoy hearing about the mansion’s Victorian past as Anna shares stories about her colleagues, friends and masters.

Sessions will be on 19th and 20th February and cost £2 per person.

If you’re looking for something creative, why not go along to the Papier-mache Toadstools making sessions at Ipswich Art School on the 20th and 21st February. Booking is essential for this event and it will be run over two days and cost £5 per person.

• For further information and book your place at all Colchester and Ipswich Museums venues, please visit www.cimuseums.org/whats-on 4

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Mark your diaries now - the 7th Suffolk Walking Festival launches on 10th May with three weeks of wonderful walks across Suffolk. Have a go at Nordic Walking, discover The Suffolk Flower Farm and experience nature and countryside at its very best.

This years event features almost 80 walks including the Discover Suffolk Challenge Walk, a six-day guided hike from the Broads, through the beautiful Waveney Valley to the heathland landscape of the Brecks.

For more details and to book walks visit www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk, or visit your local Tourist Information Centre.

Local firms make centre’s soft play sessions a reality Soft Play is underway thanks to donations from local firms The recently opened Foxhall Community Centre (formerly the St Clements Sports & Social Club) have been surprised by donations from two local Suffolk businesses.

The Community Centre had appealed to businesses around Ipswich to help them transform one of their smaller function rooms into a soft play area. David Scourfield from Foxhall Community Centre explained, “We have plans to launch a mums and tots group every Friday morning at 9am from Friday 7th February and the room we had set aside needed some new carpeting and soft furnishings.

Thanks to Suffolk Carpet Weavers at Martlesham we now have a

brand new carpet we can use in the room for little ones to play in with their parents, some donated toys and also some gorgeous handmade bean bags for them to play on, supplied by Sail & Cover at Woolverstone Marina.”

Lease-holders Anna Cook and Kieran Moore have been overwhelmed with the response and support from local residents since they took over at the beginning of the last quarter. Anna says, “The mums and tots meetings will be an opportunity for parents to meet up over coffee and cake. We are so grateful for these donations to help get us underway and also to the families who are already using our facilities.”

Parents interested in joining the

new group every Friday from 7th February can find out more details by logging onto www.foxhallcommunitycentre.co.uk or finding them on Facebook and

Twitter. Foxhall Community Centre is open to non-members and members alike 7 days a week from 11am with free parking outside.

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Tour de Suffolk 131 mile cycle ride BBC Suffolk staff are getting on their bikes for their own 'Tour De Suffolk' a 131 mile charity cycle ride raising money for BBC Suffolk's '8 days a week' appeal for Suffolk Family Carers.

how tough the challenge is going to be. “No matter which way we went there seemed to be a hill to climb. It doesn’t help that neither of us have the worlds greatest bikes, but one way or another, we will complete

Education and Sports Charity opens it’s doors this month This month the Inspire Suffolk charity is offering youngsters the chance to try their new indoor and outdoor sporting activities for FREE! On Sunday 9th February if you are aged between five and 14 you can pop along to their extensive facilities at their new home (the former Ipswich Academy Holywells School) on Lindbergh Road in Ipswich to enjoy 20 minute taster sessions of a multitude of sports.

The sessions open to boys and girls will include; fun football, hockey, basketball, football, handball, tennis and kwik cricket. Mums and dads attending will be pleased to know tea and coffee will be also be on tap for them! The FREE sporting sessions will run from 1pm until 3pm and are a chance to view the expanded multi-sport courses on offer from the former ITFC Charitable Trust – a local charity reaching out to young people through sport.

For more details contact Inspire Suffolk on 0845 1369 333 or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

The route will start at Crown Meadow, home of Lowestoft Town FC and stop off at all five of the Ryman League football clubs in our county, plus Hadleigh United, of the Thurlow Nunn Premier division, and the Suffolk FA HQ along the way, before returning back to BBC Suffolk's offices at Broadcasting House in Ipswich.

this massive challenge.”

Others at BBC Radio Suffolk who have also accepted the challenge include managing editor Peter Cook, Sports producer Graeme Mac, News editor Kate Arkell and Presenters Georgina Wroe and Jon Wright.

Ali Stafford says what started out as a simple idea has grown. “There’s no backing out now, at first everyone called us mad for coming up with this challenge, but we’ve managed to convince others to join in and keep us company on the long journey around Suffolk.”

The Inspire Suffolk team have been working hard to complete the make-over of their new premises and are urgently appealing for help with donations of decorating materials including; magnolia paint, white gloss, contract carpet, kitchen equipment and cleaning and painting materials. They are also looking for expertise from trade’s people who might have a small amount of time they can donate to help the charity continue to work with young people in need of guidance helping them get back on track to a brighter future right here in Suffolk.

The route will be longer than any stage of the Tour of Britain and one of the longest on the Tour De France.

Finally, you can also meet the Inspire Suffolk Team this month at their Quiz Night hosted by Seckford Golf Club at Woodbridge. Teams of four are invited to join them on Wednesday 5th February at 7.30pm for a hot meal and raffle followed by plenty of questions to flex your brain brawn!

• The event will take place in April 2014, with all money raised going straight to the ‘8 days a week’ appeal. You can sponsor the cyclists by visiting www.justgiving.com/bbcsuffolkcycle.

• For details of this and any of the Inspire Suffolk activities visit www.inspiresuffolk.org.uk, for all enquires call 0845 1369 333 or email jo-annb@inspiresuffolk.org.uk

It was the idea of sports reporter Ali Stafford and he soon persuaded Isaac Chenery to join him in the epic challenge.

The two have already set out on training rides, including a very tough trip to Felixstowe on a cold Saturday morning. Isaac Chenery, who works on a number of shows across the station, said it was this ride that made the two realise just

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Rehoming centre now in its 44th year The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Felixstowe opened its doors to the region’s unwanted and abandoned pets in 1970 and today cares for around 400 dogs and cats a year. The centre has over 70 registered volunteers and foster carers who help care for around 40 pets at any one time, from walking dogs and socialising cats, to providing a temporary home to stressed animals while permanent homes are found.

If you’re thinking about taking on a new family companion, visit Blue Cross where staff take every care to match new owners with their perfect pet, as well as offering on-going support and advice.

Blue Cross Felixstowe is just one of 12 rehoming centres across the country. The leading pet charity, which takes in around 8,000 homeless pets a year, also operates four animal hospitals to help pets whose owners can’t afford vet’s bills, and provides a unique bereavement services for those who have lost and pet through death or separation.

Looking for new homes…

Buzz and Phoebe area pair of 12 year old Jack Russell Terriers who are best friends and will be looking for a new home together. Buzz is very friendly and confident and enjoys his cuddle times, preferably on someone's nice, warm lap. Phoebe can be a little timid with new people at first, but as soon as she feels comfortable around them, her cheeky side comes out. She loves to play with toys and will enjoy regular toy games with her new owners. They both love going for walks and really enjoy discovering new smells along the way. Buzz and Phoebe would be best suited as the only pets in their new home.

A new family pet is an exciting time!

At Companion Care Vets (Ipswich Martlesham) we know the arrival of a new pet is an exciting time but it may also present you with a few challenges, so here’s a few tips for a smooth welcoming...

• Your pet will need time and attention to settle into their new surroundings and start house training and it can help to organise your home in advance before they arrive.

• Find out what food your pet is currently being fed to give them the same at first as a new type without gradual introduction may give them an upset stomach.

• When choosing where to place your pets bed a nice quiet area is ideal where they can go to feel safe.

• Your home is a big playground for your new arrival to investigate so it’s a good idea to pet proof and remove anything hazardous.

• Puppies investigate with their mouths so move anything that shouldn’t be chewed and stock up on toys they can. Puppy socialisation is recommended; contact us to find out about our puppy parties.

• Introducing your kitten to a scratching post will help protect your sofa arms, and block any holes they can get stuck behind, such as behind your fridge.

It’s a good idea for your new pet to have a health check with your vet and to explain any preventative healthcare required – contact the surgery for more information and to book an appointment: 01473 636 550. Open 7 days a week inside Pets at Home.

Evie is a delightful seven year old greyhound with a calm, gentle nature. Evie would benefit from a quiet home. Evie loves her walks, enjoys playing with toys but her favourite things are attention from people and food! Evie is looking for a home where she won't be left alone for long initially, this can be gradually built up over time. She would not be suited to a home with cats or other small animals.

Luna is a playful and friendly two year old cat.

She was found as a stray with a litter of kittens that have now been weaned off her. Luna is now neutered. Luna is unsettled around other cats so is finding the cattery environment a stressful place. Luna is interactive with people enjoying an exciting game with string toys and will settle on a comfy warm lap. Luna would be best suited to a home without a dog.

Leo is a handsome and confident seven year old cat who enjoys a fuss. Leo can be an active cat and likes a game with a piece of string. Leo has lost one on his hind legs when he was young, which has not slowed him down much.

Leo would be best suited to a home without a dog and would be best suited as the only cat in the household. Leo has been used to living on a quiet road system.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Blue Cross volunteer or you’re interested in rehoming a pet, please contact Blue Cross rehoming centre Felixstowe on 0300 777 1480. To find out more about Blue Cross visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

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Utterly Rafted A third Utterly crime novel is released A new book from CreateSpace has recently been published.

The author, Pauline Manders, has said that the Suffolk countryside runs through her veins. She may be right. As a retired surgeon, her medical knowledge and scientific mind perfuse this crime novel, while the flavours of Suffolk underpin her writing.

Pauline Manders brings fresh twists to this witty, fast paced crime novel as it races between places as far afield as Stowmarket and the Orwell Bridge, Ipswich and Sudbury, Hadleigh and Bury St Edmunds.

A stolen dog, a case of illegal hare coursing and the suspicious death of a young student at first seem unrelated, but a brutal murder quickly follows. Drugs, and organised crime play out against a backdrop of carpentry, mixed loyalties, a farm reservoir and rafting. The main characters seem ever more real, quirky and lovable as they return in this third Utterly crime novel, a worthy sequel to Utterly Explosive & Utterly Fuelled.

• Utterly Rafted by Pauline Manders is available in paperback at Waterstones Buttermarket branch in Bury St Edmunds, Browsers in Woodbridge, Idlers in Hadleigh, Landers in Long Melford, Leaping Hare bookshop Wyken Vineyard, CreateSpace website and Amazon. It is available in e-book format from Amazon.

Ipswich Lions’ Young Ambassador reaches National Final Jennifer Luu, a sixth form pupil at Copleston School, has been selected to represent both Ipswich and the East Anglia Region in the Lions Clubs International Young Ambassador Competition.

Young Ambassadors is a nationwide competition to find the young person (under 19 years of age) who shows the most outstanding commitment to serving his or her community. It is organised by Lions Clubs International, the largest community service organisation in the world.

Jennifer will now attend the national final in Dudley in February, where she will compete for a prize of £1500 to spend on her chosen project.

Jennifer is a volunteer with the Ormiston Children’s Charity and Suffolk Youth Infolink, plus, she also helps the administration team at Ipswich Hospital.

Jennifer has raised money for the Teenage Cancer Trust and, the schoolgirl has also completed a 15 mile sponsored walk to raise money for the Ipswich Soup Kitchen.

Jennifer is now starting a new project at Copleston School. She is looking to recruit mentors from local businesses to inspire and encourage selected pupils who might otherwise feel unable to access higher education. She is developing a programme including extra tuition and educational visits which will be adapted to suit individual pupils requirements.

If you would like to be a mentor or help with this project please contact Jennifer by email: 08Luu@copleston@suffolk.sch.uk • For more information about Lions Clubs email: ipswichlions@anglianet.co.uk

Eighth Walk of Thoughts planned Join St Elizabeth Hospice for a peaceful and reflective walk around Fynn Valley, Ipswich, to remember a loved one or to simply enjoy the countryside.

The eighth annual Walk of Thoughts will take place on Sunday 16th March and walkers can take a three or five mile circular walk, starting from

YM RUFC Rugby Club in Rushmere St Andrew.

Beforehand, there will be an informal remembrance service at 10.15am, giving walkers, not just those touched by Hospice care, time to reflect and remember loved ones.

Walkers will be invited to write the name of their loved one on a pebble, provided by the Hospice,

which they can keep. Participants will also receive a bookmark containing seeds which they can take home and plant in their loved one’s memory.

The event attracts keen walkers, as well as those remembering loved ones, and participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship.

St Elizabeth Hospice’s Events Fundraiser, Leanne Carhart, said, “The Walk of Thoughts is an opportunity to remember a loved one or friend or to simply enjoy a walk and stunning scenery.

“We encourage walkers to raise sponsorship and if a walker raises £52 that could help fund a visit to a patient’s home for an hour by our Hospice at Home nurses. All money raised goes towards enabling us to provide local Hospice care for local people.”

The walk is open to people of all ages and dogs are welcome, providing they are kept on leads.

The route is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. Walkers can register in advance or on the day from 9.30am, ready to set off for the walk at 10.30am. Registration fees are £12.50 in advance or £15 on the day, and is free for under 16s.

For more information or to register online, please visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk or contact the fundraising team on 01473 723600 or email fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk It costs £9.1m a year to run St Elizabeth Hospice, and the money raised will go towards helping provide services free of charge to people in East Suffolk and South East Norfolk living with a progressive illness and supporting their families.

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New retailer ‘The Bear Garden’ launches in Ipswich

Our Big Land The New Wolsey Theatre are pleased to welcome back The Romany Theatre Company with their production of OUR BIG LAND. After a successful trial performance in January 2013, they return a year later with the final finished piece on Thursday 13th February to Saturday 15th February at the New Wolsey Studio in Ipswich.

With a growing reputation for creating rich, powerful and challenging drama that is bold and exciting while always entertaining, the Romany Theatre Company’s forthcoming new play with songs, OUR BIG LAND, explores the 2000 year history of Romany Gypsies through one woman’s very personal story.

Oceania, a powerful Gypsy matriarch is convinced that Sophie, an outsider, is destined to become the next keeper of the bauro diklo, the sacred storytelling shawl. The bauro diklo is the lifeblood of Romany people. When Sophie falls in love with Oceania’s handsome but brutal son Roman, Oceania is overjoyed. But a catastrophic event on Sophie and Roman’s wedding day threatens not only to tear apart Oceana’s plan, and family, but the whole future of the Romany people.

The first play by a Romany Traveller writer to be presented in the UK with original Gypsy music and songs. Our Big Land has a poetic beauty mixed with gritty realism. A play about family bonds, cultural loyalty and the battle between head and heart.

• Performances of OUR BIG LAND at the New Wolsey Studio will be from Thursday 13th to Saturday 15th February, with a matinee on Saturday 15th at 2.30pm and a post-show Q & A on Thursday 13th. Tickets can be booked by calling the Box Office 01473 295900 or online www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Ipswich has welcomed a new ‘build-your-own’ soft toy retailer, The Bear Garden. The Bear Garden opened its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday 23rd November, and has been announced as a permanent addition to the town centres growing portfolio of brands.

Kelly Chamberlain, Owner of The Bear Garden commented, “I was thrilled to be opening The Bear Garden just in time for the Christmas period. Living and raising a family in Ipswich myself, I wanted to bring something to the high street that not only delivers high quality, affordable products but also gives the opportunity for individuals, couples and families to spend time together being creative and having fun.

Ipswich town centre has changed a lot over the past few years but I hope that with the new addition of The Bear Garden and several other independent shops that have recently opened, people will be reminded that Ipswich still has a lot to offer.”

Similar to well-known high street brands such as Build-A-Bear and Teddy Mountain, The Bear Garden offers a selection of soft bears and animals which customers can stuff and design themselves. Providing a full range of outfits and accessories, the new shop encourages customers to spend time building the perfect toy or present, which is truly personal to its creator. The Bear Garden has hosted both in store and at home birthday parties.

The Bear Garden is located on the first floor of Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre, next to fashion retailer Topshop.

For more information please contact Kelly Chamberlain, telephone 07786796555 or email info@thebeargardenipswich.co.uk

Changes at Portman Road Car Boot Sale Christmas now seems like a distance past and all that is left of the festivities are those credit card bills, so how would you like to earn some cash for yourself to help with some of those bills, whilst also supporting charities in the local area?

The Lion’s Club of Ipswich hold a weekly Car Boot Sale at Portman Road in Ipswich every Sunday.

The Club has recently relaunched the Boot Sale with new opening times from Sunday 2nd February, opening a little later in the morning, the sale now starts at 8am and will run until 12.30pm. Pitches are still just £5 each for cars and all profits

from the Boot Sale go to local good causes and charities.

Selling your stuff at a Car Boot Sale is a great way to earn yourself a little extra pocket money, and at the Portman Road site there is an onsite catering van, plus plenty of toilets and the sale is on hard standing which means you don’t have to stand in a muddy field to sell your wares!

The Lions Club of Ipswich have been running a Boot Sale at the Portman Road site for over 20 years, members of the club volunteer their time to help staff the event, so that the club can give as much money as possible to the many charities and good causes that they support. There is no need to book your pitch, just turn up on a Sunday morning.

Don’t have anything to sell? Grab yourself a bargain and browse the many sellers stalls. The town centre location makes it really easy for visitors to get to, and there is just a 50p charge to park, again this money goes to charity.

It’s a win win situation, earn some cash for yourself and do your bit for charity at the same time!

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Beggar’s Opera is reinvented for 2014 This Spring, the New Wolsey Theatre will be teaming up with three other leading regional theatres, in partnership with Graeae, to produce Brecht and Weill’s THE THREEPENNY OPERA, which is as topical now as it was eighty-five years ago.

combination of theatrical passion to this modern classic.

Fans of the New Wolsey’s pantomime will be pleased to welcome back Will Kenning as Tiger Brown, who previously featured as the Dame in the rock’n’roll

Byrne, who have most recently toured with the New Wolsey’s UK tour of the Madness musical Our House.

Peter Rowe, Artistic Director and Co-Director of THE THREEPENNY OPERA: “I wanted to do a version of

This beggars’ opera, a story of the dispossessed and the downtrodden, will resonate across modern British society.

The London 2012 Paralympic Games opening ceremony, (codirected by Jenny Sealey), provided a global platform for the skills and talent of deaf and disabled artists, and this brand new production of The Threepenny Opera will endorse the claim that the UK is now a world leader in promoting diversity in the arts.

As well as the New Wolsey, it will be produced with Nottingham Playhouse, Birmingham Rep and West Yorkshire Playhouse. The show will arrive in Ipswich from 12th to 22nd March.

Teaming up with Graeae, the UK’s foremost disabled led theatre company, this five-way coproduction will be the first fully integrated production of THE THREEPENNY OPERA ever performed. Using live audio description, a creative combination of BSL interpretation and captioning and an integrated cast of disabled and non-disabled performers, the co-directors, Jenny Sealey (Artistic Director of Graeae) and Peter Rowe (Artistic Director of the New Wolsey Theatre) will bring their unique

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Threepenny Opera requires - defiant and irreverent, funny and fearless and set me thinking... What would it be like if we brought together the Graeae motley crew with the Wolsey actor-musicians? Brecht's own mash up of John Gay’s Beggar's Opera has a brilliant, instinctive, cabaret flair. The team we are putting together to re-invent this musical for our times aims to recapture that heady mix of gallows humour, razor-sharp satire and up front entertainment. I can’t wait.”

pantomimes over the last three years. Cici Howells who currently stars in this year’s pantomime as Taffy the Cat will be hanging up her cat ears and tail to play the role of Polly Peachum, Macheaths love interest. Other cast members include Natasha Lewis and Sophie

The Threepenny Opera where we create a company of contemporary “beggars” to tell the tale from their perspective - a parable about the corruption of the world, told by those excluded from it. Jenny's production of Reasons to be Cheerful, seemed to have exactly the spirit that The

With live music played onstage by the actors themselves, delivering a score that includes such well-known songs as Mack the Knife and Pirate Jenny, expect a riotous musical comedy that audiences will be begging to see!

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked through the Box Office by calling 01473 295900 or by booking online at www.wolseytheatre.co.uk.

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Premiere performance at Jerwood DanceHouse ‘BORDER TALES’, Protein’s coruscating new slice of biting, topical social commentary, premieres at Ipswich Jerwood DanceHouse on Wednesday 12th February and runs until Saturday 15th February.

Classic Hitchcock murder thriller All Creatures Great and Small star Christopher Timothy takes to the Mercury Theatre stage in Lucy Bailey’s acclaimed production of Dial M for Murder.

A co-production between the Mercury Theatre and Fiery Angel, this mesmeric thriller will mark the start of the 2014 Made in Colchester season.

Opening at the Mercury in Colchester on Thursday, February 6th and running until Saturday, February 15th, the show will then embark on a UK tour until June 28th.

Made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film version, Dial M for Murder tells the story of the cold and calculating Tony Wendice who is convinced his wife is having an affair. He sets out to plan and execute the perfect murder…until it falters in the most unexpected way.

Claustrophobic and frightening, Lucy Bailey’s exciting production reclaims this brilliant and erotic tale of betrayal, passion and ultimately, murder.

Known best for his TV roles as James Herriot in All Creatures Great and Small and as Mac McGuire in the long-running BBC daytime show Doctors, actor, television director and writer, Christopher Timothy plays the role of Inspector Hubbard.

When asked what prompted him to take the role, Christopher said, “It’s a great story. Like the majority of people I had seen the movie but this was my first time reading the play. It sounded a lot of fun and very faithful to film.

It’s not the first time Colchester has seen Christopher in a thriller at the Mercury, “I have worked at the Mercury Theatre a few times. I was here in 1999 in the physiological thriller Mindgame so I’m looking forward to returning to Colchester.”

Stepping into the shoes of Grace Kelly in Hitchcock’s film, Kelly Hotton plays the role of Sheila Wendice. Starring alongside Christopher and Kelly will be Daniel Betts as Tony Wendice, Philip Cairns as Max Halliday, and Robert Perkins as Captain Lesgate.

Dial M for Murder was the first, and probably most successful of stage plays written by Fredrick Knott. He also wrote the screenplay for the 1954 Hitchcock film which starred Ray Milland, Grace Kelly and John Williams.

Director Lucy Bailey has worked for many of the country’s leading theatre and opera companies, including the Royal National Theatre, Glyndebourne Opera and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. One of her most recent directing credits includes the critically acclaimed production of The Winter’s Tale for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

• To book tickets visit www.mercurytheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01206 573948.

With an engaging blend of dance, dialogue and live music, and treated with Luca’s trademark physical and verbal wit, ‘BORDER TALES’ looks at multi-cultural living in the UK through the eyes of the characters onstage. Silvestrini turns his sharply satirical gaze to stereotypical thinking, tolerance, and where lines are drawn between ‘them’ and ‘us’.

Staged in the round to bring the audience crucially close to the action, the cast of seven Protein dancers, local performers and musicians entertain and provoke with this amusing yet poignant look at how we perceive ourselves and each other.

Says Luca Silvestrini, “I’m dedicating ‘Border Tales’ to everyone I’ve interviewed, talked to and worked with over months of research around notions of identity and multicultural living. I’ve travelled across England, Slovenia, Denmark,

Spain, Germany, Palestine and India and learned that there’s a common, complex and unresolved space between people...between ‘them and us’, ‘me and the other’. This emotional, sometimes physical, sometimes socially awkward space is strongly influenced by a restless collision of cultures, traditions, religious views and political interests.

“I see this space in between as a border, the outer part of all of us, a fragile partition that defines who we are, but that perpetuates a yearning to belong. I have nothing to teach or preach about, but I’ve been moved by the simple desire to share the many tales I’ve heard and experienced along the way.”

• To book tickets visit www.danceeast.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01473 295230

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Have your Event Listed Free!!

Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk Post: PO Box 774, Ipswich, IP1 9FW Every Monday A V A Go Art Group, St Edmunds Hall, Langer Road, Felixstowe 1.30pm till 4.30pm beginners welcome, For details ring 01394 275690 Badminton, Handford Hall School, Gatacre Rd, Ipswich. 7.15pm - 9.30pm, experienced players and beginners always very welcome, for a free taster session or more information contact Adrian 01473 464920 Ballroom and Latin class, Goals Centre, Grimwade Street, 6.30pm - 7.30pm, 07736306519 Yoga, Holbrook Village Hall 9.30am - 11am, Suitable for beginners and intermediates, Contact Cathie 07734469038/ 01394 388379 Yoga, Henley Community Village Hall, Ashbocking Road, 7.45pm – 9.15pm, 01473 690762 Badminton, Claydon High School Sports Hall, 7pm to 9pm, Social badminton, all welcome, Further information contact Don 01473 747596 Suffolk Promenaders Square Dance Club, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane, Ipswich, 7.30pm – 10pm, Only £2.50, tea and coffee provided, contact 01473 422663 or 01473 415785 for further details Badminton, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, 7.30pm - 10pm, Social Badminton further information contact Alan 01473 437707

Every Tuesday Art Group, meeting at J Parker Studios, Ivy Cottage, Wenham Road, Great Wenham Beginners welcome tuition available, for details 01473 313100 www.jparkerstudios.co.uk Co-op Ladies Choir meet at The Co-op Education Centre from 2.15pm to 3.30pm, performing a variety of music including chart hits, musicals and classical. If you would like to join us please contact Lynn Scannell 01473 710820 Senior Singers, Co-op Education Centre, Fore Street, Ipswich, 10.30am – 12pm, Male & Female singers, 55 plus, join in this long established & friendly group of singers, No auditions, Call Maggie on 01473 713597, Dance & Music Improvisation, Northgate Arts centre in Ipswich, 7pm - 8pm (studio available from 6.45pm - 8.15pm for warm-up and warmdown) £5 / £3.50 (freelance dance artists and concessions) Telephone 07830 755070 Martlesham Heath Country Market, The Pavilion, The Square, Martlesham Heath, 9am, home-made, home-grown, and home-crafted items for sale. Tel 01473 623849 Tea Dance, Ballroom & Sequence Dancing, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, 2pm - 4pm, £2. Includes tea and biscuits, for further information call 01473 257593.

Knit ‘n’ Natter Group, Bags of Handles, Walton, Felixstowe, 6pm – 9pm, Knit, Natter and browse through hundreds of knitting magazines available to the group.

New Beginners Ballroom and American Dance Classes, Methodist Church Hall, Seaton Rd, Felixstowe, 7 - 8pm

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Ipswich Folk Dance Club, St Johns U.R.C, Cowper St, 8pm - 10pm. Experience not necessary, as all dances are walked through first, and then called, 01473 212085.

Every Wednesday Ipswich Croquet Club, Fynn Valley Golf Club, Ipswich, 2pm, experienced players and beginners always very welcome, for a free taster session or more information contact Fran Rousham 01394 671642 Ballroom & Latin Dance Classes, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 7pm – 10pm, £3, Beginners class & Improvers, single persons/couples, For details phone 01394 386368 or 07549 983684 Dance Class for people with Additional Needs, 22 Bond Street, IP4 1JE 1.15pm – 2pm, 07736 306519 Voices Together, award winning female singing group, Whitehouse Baptist Church, Waterford Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm - 9pm. Interested?

Call Kath 01473 652351 Ballroom and Latin class, Sidegate Lane Primary School, 7pm – 8pm, 07736 306519

Every Thursday Wot's up 18+ Community Club at Castle Hill Community Centre, 5pm - 9.30pm, Free taster session, more info call Mags 07926428432.

The Club is manly Learning/Physical Difficulties but they would like to reach out to Mental Health, The Elderly, Head injuries Badminton, Handford Hall School, Gatacre Rd, Ipswich, 7.15pm - 9.30pm, experienced players and beginners always very welcome, for a free taster session or more information contact Adrian 01473 464920 Carpet Bowls, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 2pm – 4.15pm, £2.80 includes tea & Biscuits, for further information telephone 01473 725274, Woodbridge Country Market, Woodbridge Community Hall, next to Deben Pool, 10am 11.15am, Local Home Produced Food, Plants, Vegetables and Hand made crafts for sale, Comfortable tea room to meet your friends, Open to all Free Entry.

Ipswich Country Market, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane, 10.15am to 11.30am, Local Food, Handmade Crafts Open to all, Free Entry, Coffee and Chat: informal coffee morning with activities, 10am – 12pm All Saints Church Hall Blenheim Road, Ipswich

Every Friday Country Market, Trades and Labour Club, High Road West, Felixstowe, 10am – 11am, Preserves, eggs, garden produce and crafts, 01394 272003, www.country-markets.co.uk Ballroom Class, United Reformed Church, Ipswich St, Stowmarket, 7.30-9.30pm, further info 01394 282285 Ballroom and Latin class, Dance East, Jerwood House, Foundry Lane, 7pm – 8pm, 07736 306519

EVENTS

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Carpet Bowls, Sidegate Lane Community Centre Ipswich, 2pm - 5pm, £2.50, per session, New Members very welcome, for more details contact Tony Crane on 01473 410740

Every Saturday Cycle Speedway, Great Blakenham Cycle Speedway Kids Club, 10.00am – Midday, A variety of activities connected with Cycle Speedway, Mill Lane, Great Blakenham (Next to Village Hall) For more info contact Terry on 07860 262112 Wot's up 18+ Community Club at Castle Hill Community Centre, 10am - 5pm, Free taster session, more info call Mags 07926428432, The Club is manly Learning/Physical Difficulties but they would like to reach out to Mental Health, The Elderly, Head injuries

Every Sunday Lions Club of Ipswich Car Boot Sale, Portman Road Car Park, Ipswich (Weather permitting), Gates open 8am, Pitch fees - car £5.00, Car & Trailer £10.00, small van (Escort size) £5.00, large van (transit size) £10.00 all payable on entry, Refreshments and toilets on site, Other details visit www.ipswich-lions.anglianet.co.uk Ballroom and Latin class, 22 Bond Street, Ipswich, 7pm – 8pm, 07736 306519 Giant Sunday Market, Mannings Amusements, felixstowe, from 9am

Wed 29th Jan – Sat 1st Mar Art Exhibition, Frame Workshop, 22 St Nicholas Street, Ipswich, This is what a saw: an Exhibition of work by members of Freelance, (not open Sundays) 01473 400692

Sat 1st Feb Sleeping Beauty by the Springfield Follies, Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Adult £8, Child £5 Family (2 ad 2 ch) £23, www.springfieldfollies.org.uk Talk: Whats in a Surname by Charlie Haylock, Records Office, Gatacre Road, Ipswich, 10.30am, £5.50 Talk: Stand and Deliver: Pick Pockets, footpads, highwaymen and other thieves by Dr Pat Murrell, Bury Records Office, 77 Raingate Street, Bury St Edmunds, 10am, £5.50 Ipswich RSPB Local Group Field Meeting at Iken and the River Alde forwaders and wildfowl. Meet at 9am at Iken Cliff car park, Map ref TM398562, 3 hrs, 3 miles, Contact 01473 258791, All welcome.

Sun 2nd Feb Juice Vocal Ensemble, Royal Hospital School, Burns Recital Hall, Music School, 4pm, Tickets £10, Conc £7, Box Office 01473 433100

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Picture: Smiles Photography – 07982 016622

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Weddings

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Wedding Day make-up perfection Looking good for your wedding has now become a whole lot easier…

Beauty Treatments by Toni can not only make you look fabulous for your special day, Toni can also visit you at your home, hotel etc on the day of your wedding, taking the stress out of you big day preparations.

Beauty Treatments by Toni specialises in Wedding day Make-up, so you can be sure that you will look a million dollars on your special day.

However, its not just makeup, Toni also offers a wide range of beauty services from individual eyelash extensions, make up, waxing, nail extensions, Gelish nails to St Tropez spray tans, the perfect treatment for weddings!

Maybe you are looking for an idea for your Hen Night? Then get your bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom and your friends together and have a pamper evening. Not only will you have lots of girly fun, you will also all look great on your big day.

Toni has been offering beauty treatments for over five years in the Ipswich and surrounding areas. She is both professional and friendly and has full liability insurance.

So, if you’re planning your wedding or maybe you just fancy a little treat then give Beauty Treatments by Toni a call and enjoy the many treatments on offer.

• For further information or to book an appointment or pamper party call Toni on 07546 189224 or visit www.facebook.com/nailstansandmore

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Ladies Hatz are on the move LADIES HATZ, your local friendly well-stocked ladies' hat shop, is moving!

The shop will now be based in new premises at Barham Green near Claydon, just a few miles outside Ipswich. There is a huge amount of choice of formal ladies hats and fascinators, and you will get excellent service.

Customers are seen by appointment, which gives you 40 minutes of undivided attention to assist you, for you to try on and choose the hat that best suits you, and your outfit! In the event that you cannot find the fascinator that you love you can have one made to order! Or if you need an extra colour added to one of the hats, bespoke additions can be made for you.

You can Buy or Hire, whichever suits you best. And if this is not all wonderful enough, the prices are very reasonable, and less than on the High Street! There is no obligation - why spend time looking all over the place for that final touch to your outfit - try LADIES HATZ first and save yourself the hassle! You will not be disappointed.

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Head to Felixstowe for wide range of wedding gowns

Mori Lee Collection available at Jewellery Box, Felixstowe

Now stocking a wide range of wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses, Jewellery Box in Felixstowe is the ideal place to go if you’re looking for your perfect wedding dress. The independently owned boutique stocks a wide range of wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses, with gowns from leading manufacturers, including Mori Lee, Ronald Joyce, Angelina Faccenda, Benjamin Roberts. And for the larger bride there is the Mori Lee Julietta range, which offers stunning dresses for the fuller figure.

All dresses are available to order from sizes 0 to 30+ and prices start from just £100. Not only will you get expert advice on which style best suits your frame at Jewellery Box, you will also be able to purchase beautiful gowns at very competitive prices.

And, that’s not all; Jewellery Box also stocks a wide range of tiaras, veils, bridal jewellery and shoes, all guaranteed to make you look perfect on your special day.

Appointments are available during the day, Monday to Saturday or if you prefer, evening appointments are also available on request.

The Jewellery Box is at 7 Orwell Road, Felixstowe, telephone 01394 278100. Or visit the website www.jewelleryboxfelixstowe.co.uk or follow them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/jewelleryboxfelixstowe where you can win a £20 voucher - see facebook page for details.

Wedding gift ideas The invitation to the wedding has arrived, you have decided what you are going to wear, but what are you going to take as your gift for the Bride and Groom?

This is always such a difficult decision, you want to choose the perfect wedding gift but with a difference.

Delvaux in Felixstowe can help. There's a fantastic selection of items to choose from for the home including clocks and artwork, beautiful handmade glass and ceramics or you can go a bit quirky and give a pair of dcuk carved ducks or a Champagne bottleclock to remind the happy couple of their special day!

So, if you really want to find a gift with a difference pop along to Delvaux in Hamilton Road Felixstowe, there is always someone on hand to offer advice if you would like help or just take your time and have a really good look around. With it’s relaxed and well lit store and friendly staff you will want to return again and again. You may be tempted to treat yourself whilst you are there!

Delvaux is open Monday to Saturday 10am until 5pm and can be found at 116 Hamilton Rd Felixstowe (opposite Prezzo)

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Planning your perfect So you’re engaged to be married, congratulations. Now all you need to do is plan your perfect Wedding Day, but where do you start?

• Visit possible wedding venues, both for your wedding ceremony and your reception

Here we have put together a comprehensive list of everything you should be thinking about and when best to do them to help you plan your special day and to make the run up to your Wedding a stress free, fun affair!

• Choose your Bridesmaid’s outfits

• Choose your wedding dress • Buy you veil and tiara etc • Book wedding transport • Hire a wedding photographer • Talk to your florist • Book your hairdresser • Order wedding stationery

Things to do now

• Plan your honeymoon and (if required) book time off work

• Tell friends and family that you are engaged

• Book band, disco etc for reception

• Set a budget and decide who will be paying for what

4 – 6 months before

• Open a separate bank account for your Wedding • Organise your Wedding insurance

6 – 12 months before • Set the date for your Wedding Day • Decide how many guests you are going to invite • Decide what type of wedding you would like to have

Picture Smiles Photography

• Choose your best man, bridesmaids and ushers

• If you have opted for a church wedding – give notice of the marriage to the Superintendent Registrar • Choose Groom and Best Man’s outfits • Buy wedding shoes • Buy your Wedding rings • Order your Wedding cake • Buy Wedding Day lingerie • Organise dress fittings • Reserve any rental equipment – such as marquee etc

Sitting Pretty – Wedding Chair Covers ExtravOrganza are the leading supplier and hire specialist of handmade wedding and party chair covers in Suffolk, Norfolk and North Essex. The local company pride themselves with an attention to details, as they know how important this special day is to you both.

At ExtravOrganza they will help you create a stunning venue with handmade chair covers made from different material ranging from cotton, to silks to the newest lycra/stretch.

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Each cover is complemented by beautiful sashes available in crystal organza, taffeta, and silk. These can be complemented by many accessories like diamonte brooches, flowers and many other ideas they have. ExtravOrganza will bring to you the latest trends and they have the design and flair to make your chair covers different and unique.

Owner of ExtravOrganza, Miranda Pont, is passionate about her chair covers, “I just love what I do,” she

says, “My cotton chair covers are made to measure and are complimented by organza, taffata and lace sashes available in hoods and narrow sashes. I have been established for many years and have an abundance of knowledge in the wedding industry. I work with lots of professional people who also love what they do and I am happy to recommend and help you.”

ExtravOrganza is recommended solely by over 47 venues through out Suffolk for their chair covers, so you know that you are in good hands if you choose them to add the Wow factor to your wedding!

So if you’re looking to add that something special to your wedding reception, then let Extravorganza help fulfill your dreams and create an unforgettable room. Their professional chair cover hire

service, design, flair and personal touch will ensure you and your guests will be stunned by how their chair covers can transform a dull room into an exciting one.

ExtravOrganza Wedding Chair

Cover Hire, dress your chairs with flair, seat your guest with style, the latest designs in made to measure cotton and lycra chair covers available at competitive prices. For more information about how ExtravOrganza can transform your wedding venue you can visit them at their unit in Martlesham Heath, Telephone 01473 614052 or email covers@extravorganza.co.uk.

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Wedding Day • Choose Wedding favours • Book first night hotel

• Groom, Best man and Father of the Bride to write their speeches

• Write your Wedding present gift list

• Finalise transport

• Reserve accommodation if required for wedding party and any guests

• Buy gifts for Wedding party

• Pack an emergency kit – plasters, mints, safety pins, painkillers, make up, mini hair spray, needle and thread and deodorant

• Send your list of requirements to you photographer

On the day

2 – 4 months before

• Have stag and hen parties

• Make sure you eat breakfast!

you have everything ready for the morning

• Enjoy your day!

• Send out your invitations • Buy going away outfit

1 week before

• Finalise honeymoon plans, check passports and travel insurance, also arrange for any vaccinations and visas if required

• Wear in Wedding shoes

After your Wedding

• Have your final hair and make-up practice

• Return any hired clothing

• Buy any last minute items and pack for your honeymoon

• Send Wedding cake to anyone that could make your Wedding

• Buy a guest book

• Arrange for your cake to be delivered to your venue

• Write thank you letters

• Have your rehearsal with your Wedding party

• Get you Wedding dress cleaned

• Think about what vows and reading you would like to have • Start looking at first dance ideas • Get your order of service printed • Arrange stag and hen dos

• Arrange to make any outstanding payments required in advance

• Schedule wedding rehearsal 1 day before

• Buy marriage licence

• Drop off decorations, table plan, place cards, favours and guest book at your venue

• Chase up unanswered invitations and draw up a final list

• Take out cash for any cash payments to be made on the day

• Confirm numbers with venues

• Lay out your Wedding out fit and accessories etc and have a last check that

1-2 months before

• Draw up table seating plans

• Order your photographs

And… Most importantly, enjoy married life!

Smile please

The locally based company Smiles Photography consists of a team of two female photographers who work perfectly together in a friendly and relaxed manner to ensure that you enjoy every moment of your Wedding Day, whilst they make sure it is accurately recorded as a photographic memory keepsake.

Whilst one photographer takes care of the bride, her attendants and the female members of the party, the other ensures that the groom and his groomsmen are made to feel every bit as special. By working in this manner, the team at Smiles Photography can assure that every member, family and friends are all included in your photographic record.

At Smiles Photography they offer a complete wedding package that endeavours to capture your special day forever in an album full of your favourite images.

Smiles Photography’s Wedding Package is competitively priced at just £495.

This includes a disk containing approximately 300 pictures for you to choose from as well as a beautiful Leather Bound Album for your selected photographs.

There are no hidden charges, starting with the Bride as she prepares for her big day, Smiles Photography will attend your wedding, capturing all of your special moments, staying with the Bride and Groom until they are seated for their Wedding Breakfast.

For more information you can contact Smiles Photography on 07982 016622 or e-mail smiles.photography@ymail.com and they will be very happy to visit you at your home where you will be able to peruse the company’s portfolio at your leisure.

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Caroline recognised as Best Independent Wedding Planner As partners fall to their knees across the region over the festive season, brandishing sparkly rings and popping THE question every lovestruck ‘other half’ wants to hear, it’s reassuring to know that beyond the engagement you can employ the services of an award winning professional wedding planner to manage every aspect of your much dreamt about big day.

Caroline Gould Weddings has recently been announced as the East of England’s best independent wedding planner by the prestigious wedding industry awards, which recognises and rewards excellence in the wedding industry.

Caroline Gould, who was referred to as a top vendor, calming influence and a consummate professional by one of her voting clients commented on the award saying, “I’m just thrilled to have won this award, particularly because votes are cast primarily by couples I’ve worked with in the past, so it’s a real testament to me and my potential clients that what I’m doing is right!” She continued, “The wedding planning industry is not subject to legislation, so this award will not only encourage confidence in my skills and expertise but help establish my company as one which offers quality and a completely professional, bespoke service.”

Entrepreneur Caroline Gould originally began her career in IT, but has always had a passion for event management which was indulged as she moved from the technology industry to that of

planning events at a reputable hotel chain in the region. This role involved her organising and managing a large number of weddings at the venue, which in turn encouraged her to take the leap towards wedding planning independently; and so Caroline Gould Weddings was born.

Combining experience and passion, Caroline has had an extremely successful career having planned, managed and attended weddings for a variety of clients in terms of their aspirations, dreams and locations; with clients approaching her from as far as Australia and Hong Kong.

All wedding industry award winners will represent their region at the national wedding awards which are scheduled to be announced at an event at The Bloomsbury Ballroom in London on Wednesday 15 January 2014. Caroline is hopeful of continued success and extremely excited about the prospect of attending the awards ceremony as well as being in with a chance of winning.

Established in 2009, Caroline Gould Weddings has an established reputation as a highly experienced and passionate wedding planner, based in the heart of Suffolk. Providing a bespoke package for each happy couple on their big day, Caroline Gould Weddings offers both full and partial wedding planning as well as on the day co-ordination to ensure you and your guests

leave with wonderful memories. Endorsed by many happy clients and providing extensive knowledge of events management, her everexpanding client portfolio is testament to her hard work and passion for the wedding planning industry.

For more information visit www.carolinegouldweddings.co.uk

Get me to the church with style At BCD Wedding Cars they can help you plan your wedding car arrangements and create a package to suit your individual requirements and your budget from their range of vintage wedding cars.

The company offer, as standard a uniformed chauffeur, a wide selection of ribbon colours and silk flowers that can be matched to your personal choice, plus after ceremony, the bride and groom can enjoy complimentary chilled sparkling wine.

And with a wide range of vehicles on offer including a choice from three Vintage Rolls Royces, two Chevrolet Tourers and a Armstrong Siddeley you will certainly arrive in style for your big day.

• For more information about the many cars on offer contact BCD Cars on 01473 218234 or visit www.bcdcars.co.uk

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Isaacs’ Wedding Fayre and Venue on the Waterfront Accommodation solution for wedding guests

Set on the Ipswich Waterfront, Isaacs on the Quay offers a perfect location for your wedding day. Views of the Waterfront and historic indoor features that make for stunning photographs.

Isaacs is holding their second Wedding Fayre on Sunday 2nd March 2014 from 10am until 3pm.

Not only will you be able to see what a fantastic wedding venue Isaacs is, you will also be able to meet very carefully selected exhibitors that will be attending the fayre to help you plan your wedding and get those little special touches that make your day different.

No need to book just turn up, and you also have the chance to win a free Honeymoon courtesy of The Wedding Guide!

If you're getting married in the Ipswich area and are looking for accommodation for your guests, did you know that as well as offering top quality bed and breakfast, you can also hire Lattice Lodge Guest House for your exclusive use, on a self catering basis if required.

With 11 all en-suite bedrooms, Lattice Lodge sleeps up to 23 people, has ample parking, and offers free superfast wi-fi throughout the building.

Those hiring on a self catering basis have full use of the kitchen, so it really is a home from home atmosphere, and is especially suitable for those planning a weekend of wedding related activities. Prices start at £1200 for a two night weekend stay, and £1500 for three nights, working out at as little as £22 per person per night.

• To check availability, call Martin on 01473 712474, or email info@latticelodge.co.uk

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Have your Event Listed Free!!

Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk Post: PO Box 774, Ipswich, IP1 9FW Listings continued from page 12

Tue 4th Feb Quiz Night, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Teams of 4, £2.50 per person, includes chilli supper

Fri 7th Feb Afternoon Tea Walk, Happy Birthday Mr Dickens, Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, 2pm, £7pp, prebook on 01473 258070 Martlesham Heath Aviation Society monthly meeting, Main Hall, Martlesham Heath Community Centre, 7.30pm, Ian White presents an illustrated talk “The Liberator in RAF Service”, £1.50 members/£2.50 nonmembers, www.mhas.org.uk

Sat 8th Feb – Sun 9th Feb Children’s Book Sale, Woodbridge Library, Woodbridge, Junior fiction and non- fiction, all books only 10p each

Sat 8th Feb Music Scholars Concert, Royal Hospital School, Burns Recital Hall, Music School, 7pm, Tickets £10, Conc £5, Box Office 01473 433100 Talk: Tudor Mansions in Suffolk by Clive Paine, Bury Records Office, 77 Raingate Street, Bury St Edmunds, 10am, £5.50

Mon 10th Feb

Ipswich RSPB Group Indoor Meeting, 'Barn Owls in Suffolk', an illustrated talk by Mike Swindells, Landguard Liaison Officer, Sidegate Lane School, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Admission: Local Group members £2.00 (concessions apply), Non-Members £3, All welcome,For more information contact 01473 423213.

Fri 14th Feb Jazz by the Waterfront 2014, St Peter’s by the Waterfront, Ipswich, 7.45pm, £10, Essential Sounds Big Band, 01473 225269 www.stpetersbythewaterfront.com,

Sat 15th Feb Trianon Concert to mark Amnesty anniversary Gluck, Handel, Greig and Walton, St Margarets Church, Soane Street, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Tickets £8, Concessions £7, 01473 214836 Talk: The Life of a Music Hall Superstar by Annie Shead, Records Office, Gatacre Road, Ipswich, 10.30am, £5.50 Talk: The History of Spoken English by Charlie Haylock, Bury Records Office, 77 Raingate Street, Bury St Edmunds, 10am, £5.50

Sun 16th Feb Ipswich Jazz Club Presents Kliphius/ Newton/ Skeat, California Social Club, 195 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Doors Open 7.30pm, £14, www.ipswichjazzclub.co.uk Ipswich and District Electrical Association present History of the RNLI by Chris Jowlett, Golden Hind, Function Room, Nacton Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm Lecture, Ipswich Institute, Ipswich, 2.30pm, A Dozen Masterpieces; illustrated talks by Hugh Belsey ‘Rothko, Paintings for Four Seasons’, £80 full course or £8.50 per lecture

Tue 11th Feb

Tue 18th Feb

Wed 12 Feb – Sat 15 Feb Border Tales, DanceEast Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich, Box Office 01473 295230, www.danceeast.co.uk

Wed 12th Feb Singing and Harp Pupils Concert with Lindsey Blay and Helen Sharp in Music One, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, 5.30pm, 01473 408310 Felixstowe Family History Society Meeting, Broadway House, Orwell Road, Felixstowe, Talk 'Felixstowe Ferry' to be given by John White, Starts 7.30pm. Admission free to members and £1.00 for non-members Suffolk Industrial Archaeology Society Meeting, Ipswich Transport Museum, Cobham Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Speaker - Nigel Barrett, trustee of Woodbridge Tide Mill, Topic Woodbridge Tide Mill, Further information 01473 405116

Thu 13th Feb Ipswich Arts Association Town Concert; Madrigals and More Musica Angelica, The Corn Exchange, King Street, Ipswich, 1pm – 1.50pm, Admission is free although a retiring collection of £2 would be appreciated, 01473 836973

guide

Sun 23rd Feb U.Dance East, DanceEast Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich, 5.30pm, Box Office 01473 295230, www.danceeast.co.uk

Mon 24th Feb Lecture, Ipswich Institute, Ipswich, A Dozen Masterpieces; illustrated talks by Hugh Belsey ‘Sutherland, Coventry Tapestry’, £80 full course or £8.50 per lecture Ipswich Transport Society Meeting, Bridge Ward Club, 68 Austin Street, Ipswich, 7.30am, Speaker - Commander Terry Connor RNR, Topic - Tall Ships, Entry £2,

Tue 25th Feb Afternoon Tea Walk, Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, Ipswich, 2pm, How we Shopped in Times Gone By, £7pp, prebook on 01473 258070

Fri 28th Feb RABI evening celebration - Vintage Suffolk Show; a trip down memory lane with David Barker, Trinity Park, Ipswich, £20 tickets, rosieapple2@gmail.com Running On Empty, DanceEast Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Box Office 01473 295230, www.danceeast.co.uk

Mon 17th Feb

Lecture, Ipswich Institute, Ipswich, 2.30pm, A Dozen Masterpieces; illustrated talks by Hugh Belsey ‘Toulouse-Lautrec, At The Moulin Rouge’, £80 full course or £8.50 per lecture Middle School and Composers Concert, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, 7pm, 01473 408310 Ipswich and District Historical Transport Society Meeting, Ascension Hall, Larchcroft Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Crich Tramway Village – Why, How and the Way Forward by Ian Dougill, 01473 422145

EVENTS

Ipswich RSPB Local Group Midweek Walk round Chantry Park Ipswich, Meet at 10am at car park near toilet block (Hadleigh Road entrance), 2Hrs, Map ref TM138443, Contact 01473 714839, All welcome, Quiz Night, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Teams of 4, £2.50 per person, includes chilli supper

Copy Deadlines

March Issue: Friday 7th Feb.

Thu 20th Feb Suffolk Family History Society present ‘Lucky is the Name’ with Pip Wright (the story of a Burrows family), The Red Cross Hall, Chevallier Street, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Members £2, Non Members £2.50, 01473 274300 Ipswich Transport Society Meeting, Coop Education Centre, 11 Fore Street, Ipswich, Speaker - Bev Steele, Topic - A Rail & Air Miscellany, Entry £2

Sat 22nd Feb Talk: Decorating Medieval Suffolk Churches

by Clive Paine Bury Records Office, 77 Raingate Street, Bury St Edmunds, 10am, £5.50 Barn Dance, Kesgrave High School, 7.30pm – 11.30, Adults £8, Children £4 (age 5 – 14), Tickets must be booked in advance, Contact Phil Smith 01473 415738 Mob: 07870 441875 or Graham Page 01473 723486 / 07941 396335, all proceeds go to 14th Ipswich Scout group & Comanche Explorers

Free Events Listings are published on a first-come basis, priority to charitable events and our advertisers.

No guarantee can be given of inclusion.

Priority will be given to non-commercial ventures.

Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk putting “LISTINGS” in subject title or Post to: PO Box 774, Ipswich IP1 9FW

Ipswich24 cannot be held responsible for cancellation of any event, if in doubt please contact the venue or organisers of event.

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Stunning Prom Dresses for the Big Dance Americans have been attending proms for well over a century now. Short for promenade, these formal dances first appeared at American colleges and universities in the late 19th century. Attendees would get dressed to the nines in sharp tuxedos and white gowns. Since they were based on debutante balls, the women would also wear white gloves and dance with many different partners.

Dresses from Paparazzi collection, available from The Jewellery Box, Felixstowe

How and why did the prom come to high school? Like many traditions that were once practiced only by the rich, formal dances eventually caught on with the middle class.

Because most Americans admire the rich and aspire to be like them some day, they want kids to learn the manners and traditions of the well-to-do. Formal dances became a popular and effective way of instilling etiquette and social skills in American teenagers.

The first high school proms were highly formal affairs.

Students would show up in their suits and dresses, drink tea and dance to a couple of slow numbers.

In time, children were given a bit more freedom than earlier generations. This may have had something to do with the war (WWII). Boys were able to pick up their dates and drive them to the prom on their own.

Parents had little influence over these annual dances. Shortly thereafter, the tradition caught on with most American high schools.

Now the prom is a firm date in the high school dairy

here in the UK, with most schools having a prom night for school leavers to mark the ending of the high school chapter.

Why is prom important? Because it is one of last remaining rites of passage for teenagers. In a country where parents constantly complain that children grow up way too fast, prom is a subtle reminder that they are, in fact, becoming adults. Not to mention the fact that they love it. Some of them save up for months to pay for their prom night, transportation and attire. The total bill often approaches hundreds of pounds, but few parents or students complain about the price.

As the girls are sure to learn as they get ready for their proms, the guys have it easy. Just as with any other formal event, a guy need simply rent a tuxedo from a local store, comb his hair and brush his teeth (hopefully!). But the girls typically go all out. They get their hair and nails done, do their makeup and go shopping for a prom dress and shoes.

It sounds like a lot of work, but most girls enjoy it. After all, prom is often the first time she will be expected to pick out a formal gown on her own.

Because it is seen by many as a rite of passage, a transition from the teenage years to young adulthood, girls are given more responsibility.

A lot more than the guys, we might add.

Modern Dress Styles Shopping for prom isn't easy. Most girls only have a few hundred pounds to spend on a dress, shoes and accessories. They all want a completely original dress that will blow their friends and their dates away. But what they get is often much less. Prom dress nightmares are so common they have become clichĂŠ. Every other girl seems to go for a puffy fuchsia dress and then wonders all evening why she chose it.

The good news is that the prom in the UK is big business. Most of the top designers offer their own interpretations of the modern prom dress, and because they know that most girls have limited budgets, they are often affordable. Prom

14

styles and fashions change from year to year. Let us take a moment to review a few au courant dresses.

Though prom is still considered a formal event, dress codes have been relaxed in recent years. More and more girls are wearing flirty cocktail dresses. Based on the legendary little black dress, these striking numbers have strapless necklines, short skirts and zippered backs. They are definitely not for the wallflower. Most young women love them because they are not only sexy and stylish, but they can be worn again, unlike most prom dresses.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with going the traditional route. A formal, floor-length gown can make any girl feel like the belle of the ball.

They are elegant, classic, and often unforgettable. The right gown can make a girl look mature beyond her years and give her a graceful and dignified look.

Because they are young, most girls who are heading to prom choose a strapless formal gown with a sweetheart neckline. More daring fashion lovers sometimes go with a backless number. Our only advice to young shoppers is to make sure they find a gown that uses lightweight materials.

Formal gowns can make you overheat after only a few hours on your feet. And remember, most proms are held in the warmer months!

Take these tips into consider when shopping for your prom dress, and you'll be sure to find something that is just perfect.

Michael Burke

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2014 Prom dresses Getting to your prom Jewellery Box in Orwell Road, Felixstowe now have their 2014 prom dress collection in stock. With both short and long style dresses in sizes up to a 16, you are sure to find the ideal dress to make you feel like a princess on your prom night.

Jewellery Box runs an appointment service for fittings and alterations. They are also able to order dress in other sizes. Jewellery Box will not sell the same style of dress even in a different colour to anyone else at your school. So there’s no chance of you turning up at your prom and somebody else is wearing the same dress as you!

Jewellery Box also stock a wide range of matching accessories to complement your prom dress including, jewellery, tiaras, evening bags and shoes, which can by dyed to match your dress.

At Jewellery box they offer Budget Plans to make buying your dress even easier, pay a deposit now and then pay seven more payments (No interest payable).

So if you are off to a prom night this year and require that perfect dress then make sure you visit Jewellery Box, where you will not only find a professional friendly service but also a warm welcome.

• Jewellery Box is situated in Orwell Road, Felixstowe, they are open five days a week, Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.30pm.

Evening appointments are also available on request by calling 01394 278100.

A Prom night is an important date in any teenager’s calendar, so be sure to arrive in style by choosing BKP Limousines to transport you to your Prom!

BKP Limousines has an extensive range of luxury limousines and the company has supplied many guests over the years with transportation to their school prom. With seating for eight, what better way for a close group of friends to arrive in style for their last bash at school before leaving and embarking on their chosen career path.

At BKP you can choose from a number of different vehicles for your transport to your prom, including a Hummer H3 Stretch and a fire engine!

Fully Council Registered and Licenced, BKP Limousines is a locally owned and operated company based in Barham, just outside Ipswich.

Darren and Frances operate one of the largest and newest fleets of limousines in the area and have something to suit everybody.

• For more information about BKP Limousines or to make a booking you can visit their website at www.bkplimousines.co.uk or telephone them on 01473 830891

Looking for ideas for YOUR Prom?

On Thursday 6th February 2014 the magnificent Trinity Park, set in 300 acres just off the Felixstowe Road, is the host for the Fabulous Prom Show.

Starting at 6.30pm and finishing at 8.30pm, the centre piece of the evening is the exciting fashion show featuring fledgling models from local high schools making their debut on the catwalk for local prom companies including Jewellery Box, The Dress Room, WD Coe & Moss Menswear Event organiser Sharon Donaldson says, “This is the 5th Annual Prom Show at Trinity Park. I am thrilled to be working with such a superb venue and quality Prom suppliers. We get excellent support from the schools with help organising the models and at the rehearsal.

“The atmosphere is always electric for the fashion show, with great music & lighting plus enthusiastic support from friends, parents and teachers – who knows we may even have potential professional models there at the very start of their careers.

“We are very pleased that we have students from Suffolk New College providing the hairdressing and make up for the models so the students will look truly glamorous. Finally we are very pleased to be donating 50p from every ticket sold to Cancer Research UK, a charity very close to our hearts plus there will be a raffle.

“We always try to have a selection of everything YOU need for YOUR prom so I can’t wait for this year’s show!”

THE Prom Show...! at Trinity Park has all the ingredients for a really exciting and memorable evening – come and be inspired!

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and completely accurately comparing your past to your present is quite often a sobering and uplifting process.

Memories, in the main, are wonderful. But so is much of life – right now.

On The Record

In My Life Do you remember the song ‘Memories’? The official title is ‘The Way We Were’. Gladys Knight performs, in my opinion, the definitive version of it – but there are several candidates.

I recall, as a ten year old, the first time I heard the song – ironically. A particular line from it always stayed with me. “And If we had the chance to do it all again - Tell me, would we?”

Interesting question. Recently, doing the rounds on the internet, a latterly discovered colour film of London in 1927. It has attracted thousands of no doubt misty-eyed views, with lots of comments that bear witness to the power of the sentimental comfort blanket that is nostalgia. If however, one is to study London in 1927, they would find it a pretty grim place that nobody would ever choose to live in.

Recently I was, as ever, force-feeding one of my children an old 80’s song that I explained reminded me of my days in a bed-sit. I caught myself saying ‘they were the days’. Were they hell! The truth of the matter is that those days were in-fact, extremely bleak. I was living alone at 17, cold, skint, lonely, underpaid, undernourished and only a record player for relief. My brain however has taken a huge paintbrush to those memories and somehow rendered a new scenario full of good times and happy days.

I am led to believe that this behaviour is deliberate. It is how the brain copes with trauma. Problem is it overdoes it – and before you know it you’re are pining for the past, ignoring the present and fearing the future. As clever as the old noggin is, it is not without fault. Taking a step back, looking around you,

As I am sure you are aware, the UK is the most CCTV’d country in the world.

There are tens of thousands of cameras and recording devices everywhere and, almost, anywhere. Do they work? Well there is lots of data to suggest they do and I for one am happy that I can take my son to a football match without witnessing or experiencing 70’s style violence. I can leave my car in the knowledge that a camera somewhere is keeping an eye on it, and when the delivery driver claims to have rung the bell I can advise him accordingly.

I have been following the debate about the Police carrying ‘personal recording devices’. Well I think we all should. I will be the first to admit, I have – and I do.

At 16 I was dragged into court and given a battering by a defence lawyer trying to claim it was my fault that a drunk lorry driver ran over me, and my motorcycle. I won the case, but from that day I sought to ensure I never had to ‘convince’ for truth to prevail.

After all, we have already discussed above how inaccurate the memory is…

Where There’s A Will Whoever decided to spell the funeral with the letters F U N needs a pat on the back for their sheer gall. As if these things are not bad enough, the bill is guaranteed to finish you off. How is it that we go berserk if 5p gets added to our electricity bill or the cost of petrol goes up by a penny – yet we simply fall in line when it comes to funeral expenses? Recently I have written cheques to gravediggers for £600, a vicar for £250 and a wooden box with a B&Q door handle on it for £800. And nobody seems to question it. I very much hope my family do not get caught and respect my last wishes.

A few shovels, a Level 42 record and an old wardrobe!

See you in March

WDVIDN

The ultimate Frankenstein

One of the most acclaimed versions of Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein: The True Story, featuring a stellar all-star cast including James Mason and Leonard Whiting, makes its UK DVD debut thanks to Second Sight Films.

Made in 1973 this much-lauded film also stars David McCallum (The Man From U.N.C.L.E.), Jane Seymour (Live and Let Die), Tom Baker (Doctor Who), Ralph Richardson (The Fallen Idol), John Gielgud (Ghandi) and Peter Sallis (Last of the Summer Wine) and will be released for the first time on DVD on 10 March 2014.

In 19th century England, Dr Victor Frankenstein (Whiting – Romeo and Juliet), bitter over his brother’s untimely death, voices his wish that men could have power over life and death.

Following a chance encounter with Dr Henry Clerval (McCallum), a surgeon experimenting in this very field, they join forces and Victor achieves the impossible, the creation of life. He creates a handsome, highly intelligent young man (Michael Sarrazin – The Gumball Rally), but unforeseen problems and the involvement of evil scientist Dr Polidori (Mason – North By Northwest) lead to shocking, unimaginable horror.

This outstanding classic horror is a must-see.

— COMPETITION — Ipswich24 has got three copies of Frankenstein: The True Story, to give away to lucky readers. Just send your answer to the following question, along with your name, address and a contact telephone number to; Frankenstein Competition, Ipswich24, PO Box 774, Ipswich, IP1 9FW or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk. The closing date for entries is Friday 28th February 2014.

Q. what year was the original Frankenstein: The True Story, made?

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Bands, Gigs, Jazz, Rock, Blues, Classical & Competitions

Boyzone have announced their Forest Live debut this summer. In a continuation of the celebration of their ‘BZ20’ anniversary, Ronan, Keith, Shane & Mikey will be performing in four spectacular woodland locations as part of the Forestry Commission’s annual concert series.

Boyz head for the forest

In November 1993 a bunch of young lads from the North side of Dublin infamously appeared on Ireland’s biggest TV show ‘The Late Late Show’ and the rest, as they say... is history.

Twenty one singles, seven albums, twenty five million record sales, hundreds of gigs, millions of memories and twenty years later, Boyzone are still going strong. A phenomenal start to a musical career, they scored 16 consecutive top five singles such as ‘Love Me For A Reason’, ‘Father and Son’ and ‘Picture of You’ and the run included six number one’s ‘Words’, ‘A Different Beat’, ‘All That I Need’, ‘No Matter What’, ‘When The Going Gets Tough’ and ‘You Needed Me’.

Forest Live is an independent programme organised by the Forestry Commission bringing music to new audiences without commercial branding or sponsorship. Income generated from ticket sales is spent on improving the local forests for both people and wildlife. With everything required for a great night out, including full catering and bar facilities, the gigs are renowned for their relaxed atmosphere.

Commenting on the shows, Ronan Keating said, “We’re pleased to be part of the Forest Live tour this year for the first time. It’s going to be great to perform our hits in such beautiful locations”.

Boyzone plus guests will be performing: Thursday 12th June - Sherwood Pines Forest, Nr Edwinstowe, Notts Sunday 6th July - Delamere Forest, Nr Northwich, Cheshire Friday 11th July - Thetford Forest, Nr Brandon, Suffolk Friday 18th July - Westonbirt Arboretum, Nr Tetbury, Glos • Tickets £42.35 (including booking fee) are on sale now from the Forestry Commission Box Office, telephone 03000 680400 or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music.

Legendary drummer comes to Copdock Carl Palmer has announced that he is returning to live concert action in the UK, with ELP Legacy, for a series of 12 headline shows in February and March 2014.

The tour is named after Carl’s new art collection.

Using state of the art technology, Carl is creating incredible artworks by harnessing the kinetic energy that underpins his playing; truly it is Rhythm On Canvas. He has already made his Los Angeles debut, with a show at Mr. Musichead, and the response was incredible.

Carl Palmer is the dynamic drummer and percussionist whose famously technical and [initially] Jazz infused style can be heard on some of the landmark recordings in British Rock. He worked with the biggest names in the business and his versatility helped define what we understand by

Progressive Rock and becoming known as the "Drummer’s Drummer".

Cutting his teeth with The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Palmer then formed a new band, Atomic Rooster. He hit the big time with his subsequent teaming up with Greg Lake and Keith Emerson, which resulted in the global mega-group ELP. The band recorded a series of albums which are still regarded as touchstones for Progressive Rock.

They picked up nine gold sales awards in the UK alone. After ELP went their separate ways, Carl Palmer continued his incredible trajectory by cofounding Asia, the massively successful supergroup, who remain active.

Carl Palmer will be at the Cameo Hotel, Copdock, Ipswich on 13th February. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 433100.

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Have your Gig Listed Free!!

Email: gigs@ipswich24.co.uk Post: PO Box 774, Ipswich, IP1 9FW

• The Boneshakers

• Walkway

GIGguide • Outlaws

Sat 1st Feb

Sun 9th Feb

Fri 21st Feb

TRAVELING LIGHT, Kesgrave Social Club THE MARTELLS, The Royal British Legion, Hadleigh CROSSFIRE, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe BACK PORCH, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

SECOND SUNDAY JAZZ LUNCH featuring THE GIPPING VALLEY STOMPERS, Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, food from 12pm, jazz from 2pm THE MARTELLS, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich, 3pm

GIG IN THE TOILET featuring MICK SQUALOR, PIKEY, ESQUIRE AND MORE, Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3 SUSPECT DEVICE, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich PAT JAMES COUNTRY MUSIC, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 Nacton, Ipswich KARAOKE, The grinning Rat, Ipswich

Sun 2nd Feb JAZZ JAM, Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, food from 12pm, jazz from 2pm KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe FOLK SESSION, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich SILBURY HILL, Festival of the Beats, Ipswich Town Hall, 7pm SMOKIN’ HOGS, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich, 3pm MIDNIGHT SPECIALS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Thu 6th Feb SUFFOLK SONGWRITERS, Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich TIM STAFF, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 Nacton, Ipswich

Fri 7th Feb SING FOR YOUR SUPPER, Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, Karaoke plus a chilli supper SKA’D FOR LIFE, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich STETSONS ARE COOL, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich THE BLACK STEEL BAND, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 Nacton, Ipswich KARAOKE, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich CAMELFOOT RAIDERS, Trimley Sports & Social Club, Felixstowe

Sat 8th Feb STACKED PROMOTIONS, Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £4 THE A TEAM, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave GOING BACK, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 Nacton, Ipswich THE RESONATORS, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich THE DOWNSETTERS, The George, Hadleigh HATMAN, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich COLOURBLIND HEDGEHOGS, The Plough, Ipswich

• Hurricane Alley

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Tue 11th Feb SUFFOLK COLLEGE SHOWCASE, Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich

Thu 13th Feb FOLK JAM, Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich PAUL G AND THE RETROS, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 Nacton, Ipswich

Fri 14th Feb FRICTION, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich THE MARTELLS, The Bull Hotel, Woodbridge CROSS COUNTRY, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 Nacton, Ipswich

Sat 15th Feb MACKENZIE, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave DIZZI-YAK, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich THE BONESHAKERS, The Limeburners, Offton SILBURY HILL, Ipswich Central Labour Club, 8.30pm HURRICANE ALLEY, The George, Hadliegh VALENTINE DANCE, Kesgrave High School, Kesgrave, 7.30pm – 11.30pm, music from Rave On, Hot Food, Licensed Bar, THE ULTIMATE EVERLY BROTHERS & TRIX OF THE TRADE, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 Nacton, Ipswich

Sun 16th Feb THE HUMSTRUMS, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich, 3.30pm FOLK SESSION, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich

Wed 19th Feb THE OCCUPANTS, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich

Thu 20th Feb THE MARTELLS, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 Nacton, Ipswich

• Suspect Device

Sat 22nd Feb SKA NIGHT, Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £2 BACK IN TIME, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave, Tickets in advance from 01473 610534, 01473 624538, 01473 410885 NOISY NEIGHBOURS, The George, Hadleigh THE REAL McCOY, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 Nacton, Ipswich SILBURY HILL, Boxted British Legion, 7.30pm BLUES SITUATION, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich COLOURBLIND HEDGEHOGS, The Falcon, Walton, Felixstowe

Sun 23rd Feb LAST SUNDAY JAZZ CLUB featuring LA FONTAINE ENSEMBLE, Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, food from 12pm, jazz from 2pm CASPER CLARKE, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich, 3pm

Tue 25th Feb SUFFOLK FOLK, Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich

Thu 27th Feb FOLK AT THE BOAT, Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich WORDS & MUSIC, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 Nacton, Ipswich

Fri 28th Feb THE BONESHAKERS, PJ McGintys, Ipswich KARAOKE, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich ANDREA BERDETT, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 Nacton, Ipswich

Ipswich24 Magazine cannot be held responsible for cancellation of events.

If in doubt please contact the venue before travelling

• Silbury Hill

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Folk legends, Fairport Convention, to visit Suffolk Legendary folk band Fairport Convention will visit The Apex Theatre on Sunday 16th February as part of its 2014 Winter Tour.

Hailed as the originators of British folk-rock music, Fairport Convention remains one of the most entertaining bands on the live music scene and their annual Winter Tour has become a much-loved cultural institution. As well as the Bury St. Edmunds concert the tour will visit over two dozen other venues in England, Wales and Scotland.

Singer and guitarist Simon Nicol who co-founded Fairport Convention in 1967 says, “We always enjoy visiting Bury St. Edmunds and The Apex Theatre is a great place to play.

“As a band, we always look to the future. After nearly fifty years on the road we still really look forward to getting out there to play in front of audiences.

Although we regularly record new albums our first love remains live performance.”

Fairport Convention constantly introduces new material to its repertoire as well as drawing on a vast back catalogue. Every tour features a unique programme of music and The Apex Theatre concert will feature a mix of material from Fairport’s most recent albums as well as classics from the band’s early years. As a bonus, there will also be brand new songs destined for Fairport’s next studio album.

The concert will open with a short opening solo set from talented singer/songwriter Edwina Hayes. Edwina has worked with Jools Holland, Nanci Griffith and Roger McGuinn among many others.

Formed in 1967's 'summer of love', Fairport Convention has been delighting audiences for over four decades. Hailed as the originators of British folk-rock music, the band is still as vibrant and inventive as ever.

Fairport’s long and fascinating history has been the subject of a major BBC television documentary and their annual music festival at Cropredy has featured on Sky Arts 1. Fairport has also won a coveted BBC Lifetime Achievement Award and Radio 2 listeners voted Fairport’s groundbreaking album Liege & Lief 'The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time'.

• Fairport Convention’s concert at The Apex Theatre starts at 8pm.

Tickets and booking information from the Box Office 01284 758000 or www.theapex.co.uk

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Artiste Profile Georgia Roworth is an 18 year old pop/rock singer and songwriter from Ipswich, Suffolk. Her original songs combine pop/rock influences, with strong lead vocals and acoustic guitar.

She has been singing and playing guitar for five years now, having picked up piano and ukulele along the way, but Georgia has been writing songs from a much earlier age.

“I tend to write songs about life lessons and the things that I experience; growing up, being strong and following your dreams...that kind of thing.”

Says Georgia.

Within the last two years, she has been performing at many local venues, town markets and festivals, open mic nights and showcases, including the Waterfront Festival, Danceeats Café, the Maritime Festival, Celebrate Ipswich Festival and the Ipswich Christmas Market amongst many others. With influences including Avril Lavigne, Demi Lovato and Kelly Clarkson, she has become known locally and online for her strong, catchy songs and the vocal and lyrical hooks in her songwriting. Georgia’s unique voice and energetic performances prove that she belongs behind the microphone.

Recently, she has been recording full-band versions of her songs which have proved very popular online. The full band sound on the recordings has turned it into radio-friendly, lovable Pop/Rock music and suits the musical style she is aiming for.

Georgia released her debut 5-track EP entitled ‘Punchline’ on November 4th 2013 which is now available on iTunes.

Her original song ‘Punchline’ has also been played on BBC Radio Suffolk among other stations.

This year Georgia already has some London performances in the pipeline and hopes to be recording again soon. With a steadily increasing online fan-base, she has supporters from all over the world.

Georgia Roworth

Feb2014

You can visit Georgia’s website at www.georgiaroworth.com Find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GeorgiaRoworthMusic Twitter at www.twitter.com/georgiaroworth and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/georgiaroworth

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The Tractor Boy Column Has it lost its magic? Is it still a priority for Premier league teams? Is it turning into a tournament to watch team’s reserve players? These are some of the many questions currently surrounding the FA Cup, in this month’s article I will try to uncover why these questions have arisen and if the FA Cup really has lost its magic!

The main issue facing the FA Cup is the reluctance of managers in the top two divisions to play their first teams in the competition. The prize money for staying in the Premier league or getting promoted from the Championship is momentous compared to the winner’s bonus in the cup.

Therefore managers are focusing their attentions to their respective league campaigns, nowadays it seems that money means more to them than trophies, this is a sign

Suffolk’s youngest sports pundit

of how much owners have now come into play they want a return on their investment. However, the only time a manager is likely to play his strongest team is in a situation similar to when Arsenal drew Tottenham, even now the managers both knew that they could not afford to play a weakened team, there was too much pride at stake both for them and the players. When two big teams are drawn together you do start to appreciate the magic of the Cup, the matches are primarily far more open because there is not the pressure of the need for three points. On the other hand, another disappointing factor to this season’s FA Cup has been the attendances, for example Nottingham Forest took on Premier league West Ham in a mouth-watering third round tie, yet despite the huge chances of an upset only 14,397 fans turned up

to shout their support (Forest won 5-0).

Maybe the only thing that really encapsulates the magic of the cup is the involvement of non-league teams; with three of them making it to the third round this year. For them the cup is both massive and magical, of course they want to make it as far as they can, however more importantly if they draw a big team the revenue they get is phenomenal. Macclesfield, are in financial difficulty by earning a replay against Sheffield Wednesday they paid one month’s wages! This is what the FA Cup is all about, for these nonleague teams the ties are potential club savers they put every ounce of energy into their games, through blood sweat and tears they find a way to try and win. That is the true spirit of the Cup, they bring the passion the drive that it

needs, their stadiums are packed for every Cup game. Furthermore it is not just non-league teams that love the FA Cup, last season Wigan Athletic defeated Manchester City in a pulsating Cup final, this was their first ever trophy and, after he had broken his leg in the final of 1960, Dave Whelan finally experienced cup glory!

The debate will rage on for many months and years to come but in my opinion the FA Cup will never lose its magic!

• Dan Ford aka “Tractor Boy” would love to hear from readers with suggestions for future items in the column: Tractor Boy, c/o Ipswich24, PO Box 774, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 9FW.

Kenny’s news from Sesaw Brrr! It was good to get home to Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare after a walk with Mandy this morning.

We dogs really appreciate the volunteers looking after us, whatever the weather and we always welcome new faces. If you would like to help look after me and my friends, (including the cats!) please get in touch, contact details at the end.

We are also grateful to another human dynamo, Natalie White, who will brave the cold on her trusty stead, Claude, to ride 25K on 23rd February. Natalie hopes to raise lots of money for SESAW. Please encourage her by visiting her JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com/NatalieWhite9 or pick up a Sponsor form from us.

Over the winter I have put on a little weight, which is good for me, the same cannot be said of my new labrador friend, The Honey Monster! When she came to us just before Christmas, four year old Honey weighed forty six kilos, I’m told that’s over seven stones! At the time of dictating, she is down to forty one kilos, thanks to a strict diet and gentle exercise in her foster home. You can follow Honey's progress and sponsor her slimming programme at: www.justgiving.com/thehoneymonster The Season of Good Will also brought us the obligatory dumped animals.

This time two black and white feline sisters, Marmite and Peanut were thrown out in a suitcase with Marmite's seven kittens.

Despite being undernourished, four kittens survived and are causing mayhem in their new homes. I do hope someone will soon give Marmite and Peanut the forever home they deserve. Even I have to admit they are lovely (for cats!)

Kenny (The Boss) Chihuahua SESAW, Stoke Road, Leavenheath, CO6 4PP. Telephone 01787 21088 www.sesaw.co.uk/ Open Wednesday –Sunday 10am-1pm.

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Endangered species: Black and white tvs The number of UK homes enjoying black and white TV drops below 12,000 in 2014 Figures recently released by TV Licensing reveal the number of UK families watching on black and white TVs has dropped a further 12 per cent in the past year, with fewer than 12,000 sets now in use nationwide.

With advances in technology, the demand for black and white licences has been in steady decline for years. At the turn of the millennium there were 212,000 black and white licences issued, but by 2003 that number had shrunk to 93,000. Just three years later, in 2006, the number was less than 50,000 and today just 11,550 black and white licences remain in force across the UK. According to this year’s figures, there are 30 black and white TV Licences in force in Ipswich.

Despite it being nearly 48 years since colour transmissions began,

digital switchover and the recent Christmas seasonal surge of television, laptop, tablet and smartphone sales, it seems there are still some nostalgic UK homes firmly attached to their trusty black and white TV sets.

Emma Cowlard, spokesperson for TV Licensing in London and the South East, said, “These figures show, even in the digital age, more than 11,000 homes still watch their favourite programmes on black and white televisions. We may be on the brink of losing black and white sets to the history books, but older technology will always be replaced by exciting new ways of watching live. It’s important that no matter how you watch live TV, whether on a black and white set, or online, you’re correctly licensed to do so.”

Iain Logie Baird, Associate Curator at the National Media Museum, Bradford, and grandson of television inventor John Logie Baird, added, “Despite over 25

million people opting for a colour TV Licence in the UK, it may be some time before the black and white television disappears completely from our living rooms.

“The National Media Museum has hundreds of black and white television sets in its collection and there will always be a small group of people who prefer monochrome images, collect vintage sets or just don't want to throw away a working piece of technology.”

If a recorder (e.g. a Personal Video Recorder) is connected to a black and white TV then a colour TV Licence will be required. The cost of a black and white TV Licence remains frozen at £49 until BBC Charter Review in 2016. A colour licence costs £145.50. A TV Licence is needed if you’re watching or recording programmes at the same time as they’re shown on TV and can be bought online in minutes at tvlicensing.co.uk.

Do you need PAT Testing?

Do you run a business? Are you exhibiting at an event or fair? Do you employ people?

If you answer yes to any of these questions then you need to make sure that all of your electrical appliances are PAT tested.

The health and safety at work act 1974 puts a duty of care that employers ensure that electrical appliances are safe to prevent harm to workers. Many types of equipment require testing at regular intervals usually every 12 months to ensure that it continues to be safe when used.

Most insurance policies require items to be tested - a faulty electrical item could cause your business insurance to become void. And, if you’re about to exhibit your business at an exhibition any items that you take with you, like your laptop or lighting for your stand should all carry a PAT testing label.

So, what is PAT testing?

Portable Appliance Testing, or PAT as it commonly known, is a process where a qualified electrician carries out a Portable Appliance Test on your

Free Ice-Skating in Woodbridge

electrical appliances for safety. A portable appliance is less than 18kg in mass that is intended to be moved whilst in operation or an appliance which can easily be moved from one place to another, e.g. vacuum cleaner, toaster, food mixer, etc. Items that also require a PAT test include hand held items, stationary equipment or appliances, like a fridge or washing machine, information technology equipment such as computers, photo copiers, telecommunications etc.

Once an item has been tested, the electrician will attach a pass or fail label with an asset number and a date for when the item was tested to the appliance, thus giving evidence that the item is ok to use. The asset number transposes to the printed report in your PAT testing pack.

All of this might sound quite daunting and complicated, so that’s where E Quantrill Electrical Services can help. The locally based company have a wealth of experience when to comes to portable appliance testing. They can help you understand the rules and regulations and can test your equipment for you at competitive rates.

E Quantrill Electrical Service doesn’t just undertake work for commercial clients they can also undertake all domestic electrical jobs too. The company prides itself on providing an efficient, clean and cost effective service to all their customers.

• For more information contact E Quantrill Electrical Services on 07738 837473 or visit www.electricipswich.co.uk

The people of Woodbridge and the surrounding area can ice skate for free on a synthetic ice rink which will be set up in Woodbridge on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th February.

The skating rink will be open between 10am and 4pm on both days and will be situated in the Hamblin Road car park (behind Barretts of Woodbridge).

Skates are provided free of charge and there will be double bladed skates available for small children. Skaters will be able to enjoy half an hour of skating at a time – to ensure that waiting times are kept to a minimum – and there will be two first-aiders in situ at all times.

This initiative has been made possible through funding from County Councilor, Caroline Page with Woodbridge Town Council and Choose Woodbridge.

Chris Harrold, Chairman of Choose Woodbridge said, “We thought the people of Woodbridge might need a little help to get out of the postChristmas holiday blues. Now families, couples and singles all have something to look forward to – something a little bit different. Whether people want to have a go or just watch the thrills and spills from the sideline, this skating rink should bring a bit of added sparkle to Woodbridge this February.”

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Health and Wellbeing

Are you too Sweet?

A team of health experts from around the world are calling on food and drink manufacturers to cut the amount of sugar in their products.

A new anti-sugar campaign is calling the sweet stuff “the new tobacco.” As a result, a U.K. based group is carrying out a new public health campaign that aims to make the public more aware of the sugar found in their food and drink, urging us to avoid products that have high amounts of “hidden” sugars. So here are some tips and information to help you cut out the sweet stuff!

Added sugar is the single worst ingredient in the modern diet. It provides calories with NO added nutrients and can damage your body. Eating too much sugar has been linked to weight gain, obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, tooth decay, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and more. But how much is too much? Can you eat a little bit of sugar each day without harm, or should you avoid it as much as possible?

It is very important to know the difference between added sugars and sugars that occur naturally in foods like fruits and vegetables. Naturally occurring sugars are fine; however, added sugars are a burden to our bodies. The most common added sugars are regular table sugar (sucrose) or high fructose sugar and syrups.

One of the Heart Associations recommends this is a good guide for maximum sugar consumption • Men: 150 calories per day (37.5 grams or 9 teaspoons).

• Women: 100 calories per day (25 grams or 6 teaspoons).

To put that into perspective, one can of coke contains a 140 calories from sugar, while a regular sized snickers bar contains 120 calories!

How to Minimize Sugars in your Diet Avoid these foods: 1. Soft & Fizzy drinks: Sugar-sweetened beverages are awful; you should avoid these like the plague.

Try to drink water instead of fizzy drink or juices and don’t add sugar to your coffee or tea.

Instead of sugar in recipes, you can try things like cinnamon, nutmeg, almond extract, vanilla, ginger or lemon. Just be creative and use Google to find recipes. Beware of sugar replacements like aspartame this is an alleged carcinogen causing even more problems within the body. A natural, zero-calorie alternative to sugar is Stevia.

The best way to cut back on sugar is to simply avoid processed foods and satisfy your sweet tooth with fruits instead. However, if you’re simply unable to avoid unprocessed foods, then here are some tips on how to make the right choices:

2. Fruit juices: This may surprise you, but fruit juices actually contain the same amount of sugar as soft drinks!

• There are many different names for sugar: Sugar, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) found in, dehydrated cane juice, fructose, glucose, dextrose, syrup, cane sugar, raw sugar, corn syrup and more.

3. Sweets & Chocolate: You should drastically limit your consumption of sweets, or avoid totally.

• If a packaged food contains sugar in the first 3 ingredients, avoid it.

4. Baked goods: Biscuits, cakes, etc. These tend to be very high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.

• If a packaged food contains more than one type of sugar, avoid it.

5. Fruits canned in syrup: Choose fresh fruits instead.

6. Low-Fat or Diet Foods: Foods that have had the fat removed from them are often very high in sugar.

7. Dried fruits: Dried fruits in moderation but avoid dried fruit covered in syrup or extra sugar.

Some people can handle a little bit of sugar in their diet, while for others it causes cravings, binge eating, rapid weight gain and disease. We’re all unique and you need to figure out what works for you. Just keep in mind that when it comes to a harmful substance like added sugar…

The less, the better so start being less Sweet!

Health & Peace to you all – Jules

For more information about this article, Naturopathic advice or Allergy Testing contact Jules Button (BSc) Email: jules@rainbowapothecary.co.uk Web: www.rainbowapothecary.co.uk or call 01394 386777 or pop into Rainbow Apothecary 6E Church Street Woodbridge IP12 1DH

Diabetics urged to quit Diabetes UK has called for more support for people with diabetes to stop smoking, as a new survey has revealed that significant numbers of smokers with the condition are not being offered support and advice about giving up.

The charity’s annual survey about the healthcare people with diabetes are getting has found that just 45 per cent of smokers were offered support and advice on giving up over the previous 12 months. This is despite the fact that every person with diabetes is supposed to have their smoking status recorded at their annual review and if they are smokers then this should be the start of the process of supporting them to give up.

While the number of smokers who completed the survey is not sufficiently large – just 166 of the 1,643 participants said they smoked – to be confident this is an accurate reflection, it does support anecdotal evidence that significant numbers of smokers are not getting the support they need to stop.

Diabetes UK is concerned by this because smoking is especially harmful for people with diabetes. This is because the condition puts them at increased risk of heart disease, stroke and other circulatory problems, and so if they smoke then the increase to their risk of these conditions is even greater. One in six people with diabetes are smokers and the charity wants more to be done to help reduce this.

It is calling for all GPs to make sure they use the annual recording of people’s smoking status as an opportunity to have a conversation to offer advice and support about stopping.

• For support giving up smoking, call Smokefree, an NHS stop smoking service, on 0800 169 0 169; call QUIT, the charity aiming for a smoke-free UK, on 0800 00 22 00; or talk to your GP.

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Health and Wellbeing

It’s official – a cuppa is good for kids A new review on caffeinated drinks in children by independent public health nutritionist and dietitian, Dr Carrie Ruxton has concluded that up to two cups of tea daily may be safely consumed by younger children, while older school aged children can consume up to three cups of tea.

Commenting on the review, Dr Catherine Hood, mum of two, from the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP) notes, "Increased availability of caffeinated 'energy' drinks raises questions about the level of caffeine that is appropriate for children of different ages. In adults,

moderate caffeine consumption has well established benefits including improvements in physical endurance, cognitive function, including alertness and vigilance with a reduced perception of fatigue.

"However, the effects of caffeine on the behaviour and physiology of children is not so well understood. In this latest systematic review, Dr Ruxton set out to evaluate the evidence from randomised controlled trials investigating the effect of caffeine on behaviour, cognition, mood, exercise performance and hydration in children.

A little help with pregnancy with Craig Cordiner During pregnancy many hormonal changes occur, some to soften the tissues, allowing the body to accommodate for the growing baby and prepare for the upcoming birth.

As the baby grows, increased mass will result in altered weight bearing and gait. This process can result in discomfort. Often the physical, growing presence of the baby places direct pressure onto structures like the spine and diaphragm, with resultant pain and possibly additional symptoms like heartburn and nerve irritation.

In practice I commonly see pregnant ladies struggling with; pubic symphysis problems (joint at the front of the pelvis), Pain originating from the diaphragm and ribcage, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck, shoulder and lower back pain. Any area could be affected as the body tries to adapt.

Also, as with anyone else, pain may not be a direct result of the pregnancy!

Either way, it's important that assistance is sought from an appropriate practitioner. Someone who is experienced in dealing with pregnant ladies, and has an understanding of the changes the body is undergoing.

"This systematic review evaluated six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which looked at the effects of caffeine on cognition, behaviour and mood in children. Overall these studies suggested that caffeine improved mental performance in terms of attention.

"A total of 13 observational studies were also evaluated in the review as well as official guidance on caffeine consumption from several countries.

Taken together the studies provided evidence that when consumed in moderation, caffeine is unlikely to cause harmful effects.

"The review advises that caffeine intake should be restricted to 2.5mg/kg body weight per day for children four years and above to maximise the potential cognitive benefits and minimise risk in relation to behaviour and sleeping patterns.

This equates to up to two cups of tea for younger children or two to three cups of tea for older school age children."

Also commenting on the study, Dr Tim Bond from the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP) adds, "Of particular to note in Dr Ruxton's review are some of the studies regarding the health benefits of caffeine. In one randomised crossover study, 21 children took part in a baseline study and then received 2.5 mg/kg, 5.0 mg/kg caffeine or a placebo.

Attention, dexterity and memory tests showed that caffeine improved performance on attention and motor task tests and children felt less sluggish.

"Another study providing children with up to 145mg caffeine/day for 13 days showed that discontinuation of caffeine led to significant reductions in reaction times for tasks that required sustained attention.”

In summary, Dr Bond adds, "Tea is an example of a drink providing excellent hydration for children. Tea makes a tiny contribution to caffeine intakes compared with some caffeinated soft drinks but when consumed in moderation is likely to bring benefits associated with mood and cognition without affecting behaviour. When consumed with milk but without sugar, tea also contributes to calcium and flavonoid intakes which has got to be great news for children."

Here are a few useful tips: 1. Look after your back, be sure to take care when lifting or carrying, especially other children. Try not to carry a small child on one hip for any length of time.

2. If you have to stand for any length of time, keep your bottom tucked in to try and reduce the strain on the lower part of your spine.

3. When sitting, use a cushion for support in the small of your back, and don't sit with your legs crossed.

4. When lying on your side in bed, place a pillow under the bump, and one between your knees to prevent back strain.

5. If you prefer to lay on your back, place pillows under your knees or keep your knees bent to prevent back strain. As the baby grows, it is likely that laying on your back will cause shortness of breath and possibly dizziness, so prop your upper body up with pillows.

6. Check all your baby equipment is at a good height and works for you changing mat, buggy, cot, etc.

Craig Cordiner has been an Osteopath working in Suffolk for over fourteen years. He has just opened a new Clinic in Aqua Pharmacy on Duke Street, near the marina where he offers Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy and Acupuncture.

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